The Superstar

04

"Nia, this work is absolutely sh*t. You can do so much better." Pari gave her an honest review on Nia's project which was in the making. Nia glared at Pari for calling her hardwork sh*t but said she will rework it. While Nia worked on the project, Pari decided to make tea for them and aunty.

She prepared a cup of tea and took it to aunty who was surprised at Pari bringing the tea. Mrs.Sharma was always skeptical of letting Pari do the work since she knew how lavish Pari's lifestyle was and it was Mrs.Sharma's responsibility to keep Pari safe.

"I am happy to see you getting comfortable here. I told you Nia is a good girl, just give her time to come around." Pari nodded her head at aunty's words. Nia kept Pari invested in several project works, leaving her less time to think and be scared for the future.

"Beta, this morning Riya had called again wanting to speak to you but you were with Nia so I told her whenever you are alone, I will call her." Pari's heart dropped at Riya's name. Although Riya was the one 'friend' she trusted, it was not good for her to get a call from the people in her past.

She was scared to get on a call with Riya but with trembling fingers and shaky voice she answered the call.

Riya understood how nervous Pari was on the other side and told her to relax. "I called you to inform you to visit the doctor soon. There is a good civic hospital that is a few kilometres away."
Pari didn't want to go out of her cocoon now. She was scared to be caught at the hospital even though nobody would know her but Riya convinced her saying it is important for the baby and her to get a regular check up.

Two days later, she had her check up done at the hospital nearby. She only
gave away her first name and because Riya had referenced her, it was easy to avoid revealing her last name. She was happy to know that the baby was keeping well, despite the physical and mental turmoil she was in.

"Aren't you a strong baby?" She touched her stomach and said to the invisible bump. She was not someone emotional, nor did she love children but whenever she thought about the baby in her womb, something stirred in her heart. She refuses to believe it is her motherly love towards the baby, she doesn't think she has anymore love left in her. It must be pity....yes, pity is what she feels for the baby. Pity because she can never love the baby as a mother should - unconditionally. She was still contemplating her decision of giving this baby for adoption. All she wanted was this baby to have a normal upbringing and a good family, both of which she can't provide. An adoption would at least ensure that the baby gets a loving set of parents and a family.

A knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts. It was Nia at the door who had brought her a pastry for her assignment was shortlisted today. It was a thank you gift for Pari.

"I do not like pastries." Pari said to Nia who made a weird face hearing this.

"Hmm, you are always in a bitter mood, why would you like sweet things?" Nia replied. "But seriously, take a bite for me." Nia insisted Pari who agreed to take a small bite.

"Umm..can I ask you how was your check up? No, I didn't spy, I had come home and for the first time, you were not there so aunty told me you went to hospital. Is everything okay?" Nia was hesitant to ask but she wanted to know. She had always seen Pari quiet and gloomy and she hoped nothing was wrong with her baby.

"Yes, everything is okay." Pari answered. Nia understood that Pari wasn't keen on speaking much about this, so she diverted the topic back to her project work.

"Will you be my model for the project?" Nia dared to ask Pari who looked at her wide eyed.

"Don't you think you are demanding a bit too much? I mean I am not saying much to you so you demands are getting crazier by the day." This was the most Pari spoke in one sentence!